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Minutes 12-04-97 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1997 AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT Nellie Denahan, Chairperson Wilfred Hawkins, Assistant to the City Ron Ehster Manager Muslima Lewis Dawn Russell David Weinstein David Brownstein, Alternate Heidi DeVries, Student ABSENT Anne Centi, Vice Chairwoman Falechia Price, Student I. HOLIDAY GREETINGS Chairperson Denahan called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. and acknowledged the presence of Mr. Hawkins, Virginia Farace, and Rep. William Andrews. Mr. Weinstein and Ms. DeVries were not yet present. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. III. INTRODUCTION OF GUEST SPEAKER – REP. WILLIAM ANDREWS Chairperson Denahan found Rep. Andrews extremely accessible, especially to Boynton Beach lately. She referred to the Smart Schools Plan and asked how fast this money is going to become available to the districts and what the caveats are going to be. She also asked if we are going to get the $137 million and if we are going to be able to dip into more than just one pot. Rep. Andrews answered affirmatively to the last two questions. He advised that the money will be available in March. However, he explained why the district probably will not get it. The first thing every district has to do is develop a five-year plan. He did not think the district’s old plan is going to be accepted. There are some problems with it regarding the way they arrived at cost of construction. The district wanted to enlarge all of its schools to a certain size, which meant that its entire building program was the most costly you could possibly imagine. He felt they should submit two plans. MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1997 They are going to have to build more schools and more classrooms and they are going to have to identify every school and every site. They have been very slow to identify sites. It has been very time consuming for them in the past. Legislation probably will pass strongly encouraging smaller schools (a population of 500 for elementary schools, 900 for middle schools, and 1,200 for high schools). Based on the district’s statistics in the incorporated and unincorporated areas, there is a need for 3,500 students. He is going to strongly suggest to the School Board that they not only plan immediately for the Quantum Park site, but that they plan immediately for the West Boynton High School and build both now. He is also going to suggest that they build a 2,400-student school in Quantum Park but do what is called a school within a school. In other words, there will literally be two high schools in the same building. One high school might be a general education high school and the other might be a technical high school. With regard to the middle and elementary schools, he is not sure how we are going to strongly encourage that. However, statistics throughout the country indicated that when it comes to grades, student performance, etc., small schools win out over smaller classrooms. At this time, Mr. Weinstein arrived. Mr. Brownstein stated that there is no real estate available for 500 student schools. Rep. Andrews stated that there is. Because of the size and need for land for a 500 student school in an urban area versus the requirements for a 1,000 population, you will be able to find two smaller sites a lot easier than one bigger site. In addition, one bigger site in an urban area costs more than two small sites. He advised that the Demographics Department of the Palm Beach County School District identified 47 sites where, within a two-mile area, 500 K through 8 grade students are currently being bused to another site. Staff in Tallahassee identified 119 of these sites. It is difficult to do; however, it is not as difficult as finding larger sites and it is more cost effective than adding to existing schools and building the populations up to 950. Mr. Brownstein asked about the impact of this on class size. Rep. Andrews stated that it would not necessarily impact class size. The two issues are different. The Governor’s Task Force stated that Palm Beach County had no unmet needs regarding school construction. What that meant was that the cash flow of Palm Beach County’s taxing abilities and the bonding capacity could build all the schools. They have a cash flow that theoretically could build $70 million worth of schools every year for the next seven years. However, the Senators did not care whether or not there was an unmet need. They did not care about the Governor’s report or where we really need to put the money. They wanted the money to go to their districts. Therefore, they did a run. Rep. Andrews explained that a run is when they ask the statisticians how much money their districts get under current law. At this time, Ms. DeVries arrived. 2 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1997 Rep. Andrews advised that the State has its best construction people sitting on the Smart School Clearinghouse. Twelve complete sets of plans for schools will be available over the Internet free of charge. All you would have to do is give the plans to your local person to do the site engineering. In addition, any changes, such as new light fixtures, will be done instantaneously on the Internet. Furthermore, if a county is not really good at construction, the Department of Management Services will help set up a program to make sure the county gets what it is paying for. The school districts can design their schools the way they want. However, they were told that if they want State money, they cannot spend any more than $11,600 per student station for an elementary school. Rep. Andrews pointed out that you could build an elementary school for about $7,000 per student. In addition, if the School District builds an elementary school for $9,600 per student versus $11,600, the District will be given an additional $1,000 to buy more computers, put in a special learning lab, etc. For every dollar they save, they get 50 cents back on the dollar. Ms. Russell referred to the Teacher Grant Program and asked if each teacher will have control over the $250 or if the principal will. Rep. Andrews advised that the teacher will have control over that money and if he hears otherwise, he will draft legislation to fire the principal. He advised that we are going to hit hard at administrative procedures. We are looking at strong sanctions against superintendents and School Board members. In addition, there will be legislation regarding the charter school concept. There is going to be a lot of legislation regarding decentralizing and breaking up big school districts. There will be bills regarding cities running schools. Mr. Brownstein asked how much of this money is financed by tobacco settlement money and if distribution will be affected by the Federal government’s announcement that they plan to get a share of any state’s individual settlement with tobacco companies. Rep. Andrews did not have the answers to these questions. He advised that we have been going off the charts in additional revenues. We did the lottery as a bonding mechanism in case there was a severe recession or a depression. There is a flow that guarantees that this money would be uninterrupted. We have not shipped the money out of the lottery. We will take general revenue dollars and match any dollars that we have pulled out of the lottery pot. Mr. Ehster stated that the University of Florida recently said that all new students must have a computer. He suggested developing a high school system where you maintain a freshman curriculum similar to what we have today and let the sophomore, junior, and senior students go to school one day a week and do 80 percent of their work at home on computers. With this system, you could have a 1,200-student high school. Rep. Andrews advised that we are already working on that. In California, there is a high school such as this. His goal is to do this in four years. It would cost $1.2 billion and he thinks he knows where the money is. The object would be to have eight computers in each core course classroom. The ratio would be one computer to three students. He advised that a lot of the students in block scheduling will be graduating when they finish the eleventh grade. He 3 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1997 also advised that Florida leads the nation with regard to computers in the classroom. We are also one of the very few states that puts funds into using computers as a teaching tool. He predicted that in four years, 5 percent of the student population will be graduating at the age of 17. In ten years, 15 percent will be graduating at 17 and 5 percent will be graduating at 16 years of age. Mr. Ehster suggested that the district provide the computers to the students at home. Mr. Brownstein asked if there is anything forthcoming that would directly address class size in the primary grades. Rep. Andrews answered affirmatively. He stated that one of the things that happened in Palm Beach County that created this “no new needs for classrooms” is that the architects had designed classrooms that held 40 students in middle schools. He referred to the newest middle school. Even if they only have 30 students in a class, the State counts that as 40 students because that is the way it was built. At this time, Mr. Ehster left the meeting. Referring to the newest middle school, Rep. Andrews stated that they set the classrooms up perpendicular to the hallway and put in dividers. Now they can open it up and have a classroom for 80, but they would have a tunnel if they subdivided it any smaller. He felt we need to work on some legislation to help this school out of this situation. Rep. Andrews said the goal is to have no more than 20 students in a class. However, the superintendent does not want to operate that way. Palm Beach County is the only county in the State that has a teacher and an assistant in a classroom of 30 students and still receives money. This is the superintendent’s and the School Board’s decision and he cannot do anything about that. Palm Beach County has 1,600 classroom portables to take care of the backlog of 22,000 students. That comes to 13.75 students per classroom. He felt that there is no reason why we cannot have a 1 to 24 ratio in K through 3. Ms. Russell asked if Rep. Andrews believes a cap will be mandated with regard to class size. She advised that Spanish River High School received four new portables in September; however, they are not hooked up yet. She also mentioned that they have been painting the school for two years. Rep. Andrews stated that with the new legislation, they cannot average in ESOL or Special Ed children. He believes the Legislation is committed to education as any parent is. At this time, Rep. Andrews left the meeting. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Report on Quick Victory Projects – Virginia Farace 4 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1997 Ms. Farace, Library Director, advised that there were three Quick Victory Projects for education and culture as follows: 1. Developing a youth leadership program; 2. Developing a method of getting the community into the schools; and 3. A touch screen survey system. Touch Screen Survey System The touch screen survey system has been purchased and installed in the library. Two surveys have been formatted by a company based on questions designed by City staff. The questions relate to the library and cultural opportunities. A tremendous number of people have taken these surveys. She is waiting for the company to tabulate the results. Originally, these surveys were meant for educational and cultural issues. However, in the future, City staff will have the capability to design surveys to fit the needs of the community and the computer can be moved around the community. Ms. Farace anticipated being able to bring this computer to forums such as this and City Commission meetings so that the people who attend these meetings can take the surveys. Getting the Community into the Schools The City anticipates meeting at a different school each month to inform the community and neighborhood organizations about City programs and projects and give the school an opportunity to talk about itself. The neighborhood organizations have started using the schools as meeting sites. It is hoped that more schools will open their doors to these associations and that the principals, teachers, and SACs will take this opportunity to meet with them and let them know what the schools’ needs are. This was the basic intent of bringing the community into the schools. Seventy-five percent of the population is unaware what schools are like, what condition the classrooms are in, what it is like having 40 students in a classroom, and what the restroom facilities look like. It is hoped that by bringing the community into the schools, people would experience the schools and volunteer on SACs and for school projects. The areas where schools are not being used or are underutilized are being targeted. Youth Leadership Program Ms. Farace distributed and reviewed a brochure of this program, which consists of eight learning sessions developed for junior high school students. She advised that this program was modeled after the adult leadership program. Eleventh graders were targeted for this program to give them an idea of their community and hopefully begin their concept of being citizens, volunteers in the community, and help shape their career choices. The City was the lead on this program, cosponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary. Originally, 5 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1997 eleventh graders were targeted so that when they become seniors, they could use this on their college resume applications, etc. Due to time constraints in developing this program and getting the word out, there were only a few weeks to promote this program in the schools. Therefore, some seniors were accepted into this program this year. There were 15 applicants. Ms. Farace gave a brief summary of the first two sessions (Teambuilding, Leadership & Decision Making Part I and Taking it to the Bank: Financial Planning & Investments) that were held thus far. She explained the remaining sessions, which are scheduled as follows: th January 15 - My City’s History & Government rd January 23 - Media Day Sponsored by Sun-Sentinel th February 11 - Getting and Keeping a Job March - Career Day rd April 3 - Our Community th May 19 - Teambuilding, Leadership & Decision Making Part II She advised that we do not take students out of classrooms to attend these sessions. They attend these sessions on early release days or on teacher planning days. Ms. Lewis asked how the information was distributed to the schools. Ms. Farace advised that it was given to the guidance counselors at Atlantic and Santaluces High Schools. They announced it over the PA system and were asked to target students they felt would benefit from this program. It was also printed in the City’s News and Views and in the Library Calendar of Events. Press releases went out and notices were sent to St. John Paul and two or three other private high schools. Flyers were also available at City Hall and the library. Ms. Farace hopes that at the end of this program, internships will be found for the students who participated in this program. In addition, Quick Victory Funds will help pay some of the salaries if an organization cannot. Ms. Lewis asked how many students this program can accommodate. Ms. Farace advised that 20 students would be ideal; however, 25 to 30 could probably be accommodated. Ms. Lewis asked if other students can join this program at this time. Ms. Farace stated that students who have good recommendations and reasons why they were not able to participate at the beginning will be considered. Chairperson Denahan asked for an update on the Boynton Beach High School. Ms. Farace advised that at the end of January or beginning of February, there will be a community forum to design the curriculum of the new Boynton Beach High School. In May 1994, there was a design charrette and there was discussion about a math/science/technology and robotics. However, Rep. Andrews said that it would not work because of the classroom space that these programs require. In light of this, and since we do not feel comfortable with the design we 6 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1997 anticipated using, and because of the new State mandates and rules, Smart School, etc., we feel we need to talk as a community again about what programs we want and what can we get. This forum will be by invitation only and Ms. Farace hoped Chairperson Denahan or a designee of the Education Advisory Board will attend. 1913 Schoolhouse Project With regard to this project, Ms. Farace asked the board to authorize Chairperson Denahan to sign letters of support for grants that might be applied for in the future. This authorization would avoid the necessity of Ms. Farace having to approach the board for their support every time a grant is applied for. Motion Mr. Ehster moved to authorize Chairperson Denahan to sign letters of support for grants regarding the 1913 schoolhouse project. Ms. Russell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. MINUTES APPROVAL No additions, deletions, or corrections were made to the minutes of the last meeting. Motion Mr. Ehster moved to approve the minutes of the November 6, 1997 meeting as submitted. Mr. Weinstein seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. B. Revisit Board Goals This item was not addressed. C. Liaison Reports Galaxy Elementary School Mr. Brownstein reported that the Galaxy Elementary School SAC has a new chairperson and a lot of new members and is working on getting everybody acclimated and reviewing nomenclature. Poinciana Elementary School Mr. Brownstein reported that Poinciana is working very hard on literacy programs. Their SAC appropriated funds and they are having a series of family literacy days. 7 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1997 Chairperson Denahan added that Mark Baron from the County spoke about the comprehensive literacy plan for the whole district. Rolling Green Elementary School Chairperson Denahan advised that Rolling Green has an author in-house. They have received some positive publicity in the newspaper recently and are off Commissioner Brogan’s list. They used their Title I funds so that no classroom in the entire school has over 25 students. They also have an after school tutorial program for free for a designated number of students who they targeted as at-risk or who need remediation the most. They have a wonderful resource room for the teachers. She suggested that the SAC liaisons invite their SAC Chairs to visit this resource room. Chairperson Denahan also reported that Rolling Green was one of the few schools selected to try out a new way of accrediting schools where the audit is done from the School Improvement Plan versus a long, drawn out process. Rolling Green is also doing some research for books and was given about 3,000 books. The students have to read these books and determine which books are best. The school gets to keep all the books. At this time, Mr. Ehster left the meeting. Congress Middle School Mr. Weinstein reported that the SAC discussed local regulations and administration, and arrival and departure times. They indicated that there is a program for eighth graders and above to take college courses simultaneously with high school courses and receive up to 12 college credits There was some discussion about whether community high schools should be utilized for adult education or reserved for rental use and all adult education relocated to the community college or South Tech. The community high schools will be available for one-time programs like CPR training and Fifty-five Alive. They reviewed their School improvement program. They are looking for more dollars for Congress to become a total magnet school. In the meantime, the magnet program in the school is very restrictive. 8 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1997 Mr. Brownstein stated that Congress Middle School does not qualify for Federal magnet participation because they are not substantially out of the guidelines racially. At 7:55 p.m., the fire alarm rang. Since we could not go back into the building, the meeting was adjourned. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. New EAB members B. Booth at GALA C. Farewell for the Bradleys D. Ad Hoc Committee – South Tech Issue E. Ad Hoc Committee – Follow the Progress of the Boynton Beach High School These items were not addressed since the meeting was adjourned due to the fire alarm going off. VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. January 8, 1998 at Rolling Green Elementary School The next meeting is scheduled for January 8, 1998 at Rolling Green Elementary School. Heidi DeVries – Palm Beach Post – 11/5/97 B. Attached to the agenda was an article in the November 5, 1997 Palm Beach Post written by Ms. DeVries. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Eve Eubanks 9 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 4, 1997 Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) 10